Côte d’Ivoire and China, maintaining a robust bilateral relationship spanning four decades across multiple sectors, have recently chosen to enhance their collaboration in the digital sector.

Chinese tech giant Huawei has pledged to continue its support for Côte d’Ivoire’s digital initiatives. Terry He (photo, left), President of Huawei’s Africa zone, reiterated this commitment during a meeting with Kalil Konaté (photo, right), the Minister for Digital Transition and Digitalisation, and his team in Abidjan on Thursday, March 21.

As per a press release from the ministry overseeing digital affairs, the initiatives include AI and digital technology training for the youth, the construction of digital libraries on a 36-hectare site to accommodate individuals recently relocated from high-risk areas, and the modernization of the Ivorian postal service.

Huawei’s renewed commitment to Côte d’Ivoire is an extension of the tech company’s ongoing efforts in the country. A partnership was established four years ago, in which Huawei agreed to bolster the development of Côte d’Ivoire’s ICT industry and assist in formulating its national digital economy development strategy, “Côte d’Ivoire Numérique 2030”.

The intensification of this collaboration, which has already yielded positive results, is expected to unlock new technological prospects for Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in the areas of rural connectivity, digital infrastructure, and digital inclusion projects. The ultimate goal is to position Côte d’Ivoire as a digital hub in the sub-region.

Samira Njoya